Description
Indulge in this rich and creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe – a comforting, easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy nights. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, smothered in a homemade cheesy sauce, and served over fluffy rice. A family favorite that’s sure to please!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Rice:
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the chicken over the cooked rice, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the creaminess of the sauce by adding more or less milk, depending on your preferred consistency.
Add Veggies: For a healthier twist, you can stir in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
Rice Alternatives: You can substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a different texture and added fiber. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Leftovers Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg